Originally a IAP programme led by the French Academy of Science, the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada, the programme was taken over by IAMP. The main focus has so far been on mother-to-child transmission of HIV and alternatives to breast feeding for HIV infected mothers.

In March 2004, the IAMP Executive Committee approved a proposal to co-sponsor the Network to promote health research in developing countries – a critical factor for health and sustainable economic development in those countries.

The Network's website facilitates interaction and promotes collaboration between scientists and clinicians in developing and industrialized countries. The global network of mother-and-child health researchers is in fact growing continuously: Over 80 scientists are now registered in the site, which currently receives over 9,000 visits a month.

For more information on how to register and help to make this an effective website for productive scientists, visit www.Mother-Child.org.